LeeWilmotFL: “Will anyone sign on deadline day? Auba? Zaha? Neymar now? What’s the latest?”
Bobby says: “Hi Lee, thanks for the question – and what a question it is. We’ll go one-by-one.
“Chelsea remain hopeful of signing Auba. There are, however, some obstacles before a deal can be reached. Auba wants a guaranteed three-year contract whereas Chelsea have floated the idea of two years plus an additional 12 months if all works out well. Chelsea and Barca are yet to agree on a fee, also, but that is seen as very doable.
“Zaha – there is long-term interest from Chelsea. However, a source close to Crystal Palace told us how strong a relationship he has with chairman Steve Parish and he would not push for a move away. At this stage, it looks unlikely.
“The Neymar links are re-emerging on social media. There’s definitely some interest there from Chelsea, but right now, if I was put on the spot, I’d say that it was very unlikely that a deal of that magnitude can be struck in such little time.”
jdo: “From the outside it all seems a little less stable at Chelsea after the takeover. Do you think Tuchel has more power now because of that? They seem to want to sign players for him like Aubameyang that wouldn’t usually suit their criteria.”
Bobby says: “We know Tuchel has more power in the transfer market this summer. For instance, the pursuit of Auba is down to him, not necessarily the club’s board, like we’ve seen in the past.
“Having Todd Boehly as the interim sporting director is not ideal and I think the variety of targets this summer can be put down to the lack of experience in that department.
“You’re right, Auba is someone we usually wouldn’t see Chelsea go for, but I think the major revamp of the whole club this summer means it has been an unusual one.”
Davidhersey20: “What’s happening with the fofana Medical?”
Bobby says: “Hi David, thanks for the question. As far as I’m aware Fofana is still out in the United States completing his medical at Chelsea. Everything was completed last week. Should be no issues – fingers crossed – and he could be in the squad for this weekend.”
jds2022: “Do you know what’s happening with Billy Gilmour this season? Presumably he’s going to be heading out on loan?”
Bobby says: “It’s an interesting one with Gilmour. Brighton are interested in Gilmour and Chelsea are open to loaning him out. The Blues do not want to sell him, though, with a loan deal looking more likely.”
williamadjei: “Do you think Gordon is still likely to happen and also are Chelsea close to signing Arsen Zakharyan?”
Bobby says: “Right now, I’d say Gordon looks rather unlikely. Everton don’t want to budge and they have every right not to. There were reports suggesting they want him to sign a new contract where he’d be one of the club’s top earners, so that shows exactly how highly they rate him. Auba looks more likely than Gordon right now. As far as Zakharyan is concerned, I personally haven’t heard anything but all of the info has come from good sources!”
